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By Counterman
Returns are an inevitable part of our everyday business. From miscommunications and misapplications to damaged or defective products, sometimes we must take items back. Like many other aspects of our daily routines, establishing and following processes for returns makes this part of our duties go much more smoothly.
Anything that leaves or enters our stores must be accounted for. To maintain the accuracy and integrity of our inventories, each part or product should be traceable from its acquisition right through to its disposal. When it comes to receiving and sales, these transactions are very straightforward. A packing list reflects the contents of a shipment, ideally notating any backorders or other shortages as compared to the order it fulfills. Proper receiving practices involve verification of the order’s content before entering these items into inventory, accounting for any discrepancies, and then distributing the components to their proper stocking locations (or, in the case of special-ordered items, preparing them for immediate sale and delivery). For sales, the product is simply billed and handed across the counter, accompanied by a receipt that accounts for the transaction.
When items are returned, however, additional processing is required, and the steps involved (as well as their timing) become critical to maintaining the accuracy of our inventory count as well as our financial ledgers. New returns, cores, and defective returns all require a different set of processes to ensure that these transactions are effectively handled and properly recorded. New returns to stock are the simplest, with an associate verifying the content and condition of the returned items before accepting them back into inventory through a return transaction. At this point, the returned items must be divided into stock and non-stock categories, with stocking items returned to their assigned shelf location for later resale. Special orders and other non-stocking items should be staged in a specified holding area for further processing before being returned to the DC or vendor in a timely manner.
Cores and defects are not as easily accounted for, as they do not re-enter the inventory as a resalable item. They do have value, and are an asset that still requires traceability while they are held for further processing and return. These types of returns can also be a common source of inventory discrepancies if best practices are not followed at the counter and in the back room. When accepting a core return, the associate should perform the same “content and condition” checks as with a new return, then clearly mark the return as a core before crediting the customer for the core value. A “core return” acknowledges the receipt of a “dirty” core without affecting the on-hand count for that SKU in the physical inventory. Ideally, this transaction initiates the addition of the dirty core to a list of other cores destined for return to the DC or vendor. If this is not an automatic function of your store’s recordkeeping software, it must be entered manually to maintain a record of items for eventual return. Having a set schedule for these return shipments (weekly or monthly) helps ensure that deposits paid are recovered on a continuing basis, rather than tying up capital by sitting forgotten in a dusty corner. Marking core returns as such prevents them from being mistakenly re-shelved with new product, which not only affects inventory count, but can lead to inadvertently handing out a core to an unsuspecting customer.
Like cores, defective returns must be processed and stored separately from new returns, to prevent them from re-entering the active inventory. Defects may also be subject to specific warranty policies requiring documentation such as purchase information, VIN and mileage, or other terms and conditions. Keeping any associated documentation with the defective product helps pinpoint the circumstances of the claim, identify the individual transaction, and helps the manufacturer to identify quality issues with their products. Keeping accurate records of non-compliant or declined warranty returns can also help to identify customers who habitually misdiagnose failures or otherwise “use” your return policies to “try on” parts at your expense.
For many of us, commercial accounts represent a large percentage of our returns, and are also the most difficult to manage. Returned periodically in mixed batches, these items are often left “in limbo” longer than individual returns passed over the counter. Usually written up and returned by a salesperson or delivery driver, they may be temporarily stored in a separate return area until they can be verified, sorted, and reshelved as necessary. If these returns cannot be credited immediately, they should not re-enter the physical inventory. Coordinating a part’s re-entry into the computer inventory with its physical return to the shelf prevents other associates from reporting shortages (or overages) for a part hiding in plain sight.
Following a defined process for handling, storing, and sending back various types of returns ensures that the front counter operates smoothly, the sales floor and stockroom inventory is maintained efficiently, and that the back room doesn’t become a catch-all filled with forgotten products. The specific processes may vary, depending on the nature of your business and your customer mix, but handling all types of returns by the book will help ensure your staff is all on the same page!
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By Counterman
Returns are an inevitable part of our everyday business. From miscommunications and misapplications to damaged or defective products, sometimes we must take items back. Like many other aspects of our daily routines, establishing and following processes for returns makes this part of our duties go much more smoothly.
Anything that leaves or enters our stores must be accounted for. To maintain the accuracy and integrity of our inventories, each part or product should be traceable from its acquisition right through to its disposal. When it comes to receiving and sales, these transactions are very straightforward. A packing list reflects the contents of a shipment, ideally notating any backorders or other shortages as compared to the order it fulfills. Proper receiving practices involve verification of the order’s content before entering these items into inventory, accounting for any discrepancies, and then distributing the components to their proper stocking locations (or, in the case of special-ordered items, preparing them for immediate sale and delivery). For sales, the product is simply billed and handed across the counter, accompanied by a receipt that accounts for the transaction.
When items are returned, however, additional processing is required, and the steps involved (as well as their timing) become critical to maintaining the accuracy of our inventory count as well as our financial ledgers. New returns, cores, and defective returns all require a different set of processes to ensure that these transactions are effectively handled and properly recorded. New returns to stock are the simplest, with an associate verifying the content and condition of the returned items before accepting them back into inventory through a return transaction. At this point, the returned items must be divided into stock and non-stock categories, with stocking items returned to their assigned shelf location for later resale. Special orders and other non-stocking items should be staged in a specified holding area for further processing before being returned to the DC or vendor in a timely manner.
Cores and defects are not as easily accounted for, as they do not re-enter the inventory as a resalable item. They do have value, and are an asset that still requires traceability while they are held for further processing and return. These types of returns can also be a common source of inventory discrepancies if best practices are not followed at the counter and in the back room. When accepting a core return, the associate should perform the same “content and condition” checks as with a new return, then clearly mark the return as a core before crediting the customer for the core value. A “core return” acknowledges the receipt of a “dirty” core without affecting the on-hand count for that SKU in the physical inventory. Ideally, this transaction initiates the addition of the dirty core to a list of other cores destined for return to the DC or vendor. If this is not an automatic function of your store’s recordkeeping software, it must be entered manually to maintain a record of items for eventual return. Having a set schedule for these return shipments (weekly or monthly) helps ensure that deposits paid are recovered on a continuing basis, rather than tying up capital by sitting forgotten in a dusty corner. Marking core returns as such prevents them from being mistakenly re-shelved with new product, which not only affects inventory count, but can lead to inadvertently handing out a core to an unsuspecting customer.
Like cores, defective returns must be processed and stored separately from new returns, to prevent them from re-entering the active inventory. Defects may also be subject to specific warranty policies requiring documentation such as purchase information, VIN and mileage, or other terms and conditions. Keeping any associated documentation with the defective product helps pinpoint the circumstances of the claim, identify the individual transaction, and helps the manufacturer to identify quality issues with their products. Keeping accurate records of non-compliant or declined warranty returns can also help to identify customers who habitually misdiagnose failures or otherwise “use” your return policies to “try on” parts at your expense.
For many of us, commercial accounts represent a large percentage of our returns, and are also the most difficult to manage. Returned periodically in mixed batches, these items are often left “in limbo” longer than individual returns passed over the counter. Usually written up and returned by a salesperson or delivery driver, they may be temporarily stored in a separate return area until they can be verified, sorted, and reshelved as necessary. If these returns cannot be credited immediately, they should not re-enter the physical inventory. Coordinating a part’s re-entry into the computer inventory with its physical return to the shelf prevents other associates from reporting shortages (or overages) for a part hiding in plain sight.
Following a defined process for handling, storing, and sending back various types of returns ensures that the front counter operates smoothly, the sales floor and stockroom inventory is maintained efficiently, and that the back room doesn’t become a catch-all filled with forgotten products. The specific processes may vary, depending on the nature of your business and your customer mix, but handling all types of returns by the book will help ensure your staff is all on the same page!
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By Counterman
NASCAR and O’Reilly Auto Parts announced a multiyear partnership that makes O’Reilly the title sponsor of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The sponsorship also includes promotional opportunities and brand integrations in collaboration with The CW Network, the exclusive broadcast home of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Debut
The NASCAR
link hidden, please login to viewSeries will officially debut on January 1, 2026. The agreement marks the fourth entitlement sponsorship in the series’ history. The series history also includes a seven-year run with Nationwide Insurance and a foundational relationship with Anheuser-Busch, still a current NASCAR partner at the Premier level. Celebrating Shared Values
“Like the great sport of NASCAR,
link hidden, please login to view was born in America and built on the hard work and drive of passionate people,” said NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell. “This new partnership allows us to continue to fuel that passion for the next generation of NASCAR’s stars and fans while celebrating the journey we’ve been on together for decades.” O’Reilly’s Long History of Support
O’Reilly has long supported NASCAR through race sponsorships across multiple series. These include the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at the DAYTONA Road Course in 2021, as well as title sponsorships at Texas Motor Speedway and the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series’ O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio in 2022.
O’Reilly’s Commitment to Fans
“Our company is rooted in the same values that define NASCAR—teamwork, enthusiasm and dedication,” said O’Reilly Auto Parts President Brent Kirby. “You’ll see those in action when our customers walk through our doors. We know they need fast service, and Team O’Reilly will get them the parts they need quickly, with excellent customer service. We welcome all fans to stop by our stores and see how our team can help keep them running.”
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By Counterman
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the
link hidden, please login to view, announced Dayco will again serve as the title sponsor for the 78th annual AWDA Business Conference. This marks the fourth year Dayco has taken the title sponsor role for the business event. The conference brings together top aftermarket companies for private one-on-one business meetings, Nov. 2-3, 2025, in Las Vegas during Industry Week.
AWDA Applauds Dayco’s Ongoing Industry Support
“
link hidden, please login to view has remained a trusted and valued partner of AWDA, and we are grateful that they have once again committed to being our title sponsor for 2025 – it shows significant commitment to the industry and the work we are doing to represent, advocate for, and safeguard independent distribution,” said Ted Hughes, executive director, AWDA. Dayco Looks Ahead While Celebrating Milestone Anniversary
“We are thrilled to be partnering with AWDA for our fourth consecutive year. 2025 is especially monumental as Dayco is celebrating its 120th anniversary, a significant milestone,” said Audrey Harling, vice president and managing director, Dayco North America, aftermarket, strategy and planning.
“As we reflect on our history and keep our eyes on the future, we want to recognize the hard work and dedication of current and past team members who contributed to Dayco’s success, as well as express our appreciation for the support and loyalty of this great industry and the AWDA organization. We look forward to collaborating with our channel partners for the next 120 years!”
For registration and hotel information for the 2025 AWDA Business Conference, visit the
link hidden, please login to viewwebsite.
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